Research Assistant II - GI Med Oncology

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to perform technical assistance and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects in the department of GI Medical Oncology. Lab is seeking a motivated individual who has interest and passion in science and is excited to be the forefront of the cutting-edge translational cancer research. The individual will record and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested. The lab is committed to the mentorship and growth of the new hires to ensure they can achieve their long-term career goals.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

1. Molecular Techniques (Enter 60% Effort)

· Perform basic to intermediate molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA and protein extraction and measurement, DNA, RNA and protein gel electrophoresis, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, recombinant DNA cloning (transformation and mutagenesis).

· Work will also involve the use antibodies in various immunostaining techniques and other indirect immunofluorescence techniques such as for flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

· Supports bioengineering projects, including fabricating microfluidics chips, neuromodulation, and intravital imaging,

· Manages the mice colonies including breeding, cage management, weaning mice, and genotyping.

· Prepare biological specimens harvested from mouse and perform histological experiments including dissecting mice, fixing and embedding tissues and immunostaining.

2. Tissue Culture (Enter 20% Effort)

· Maintain numerous established cell lines using standard tissue culture techniques including, plating cells, determining cell counts and cell viability, transient and stable transfections, proliferation and functional assays, freezing cell lines properly to assure cell viability and aid in maintaining an organized cell repository.

· Maintains tissue cultures, including 3D patient- and iPSC-derived organoid culture, microfluidics-based microtissues, and various immune cells

3. Record keeping (Enter 20% Effort)

· Maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with methods requested. This involves the use of computers to analyze, organize and plot data and for entry of data into databases.

4. Communication

· Must be able to understand and carry out instructions both verbal and written.

· Must be able to communicate results as well as any potential problems with experiments, in a clear and understandable manner to the supervisor and in lab meetings.

· Must be able to read articles and references and develop step-by-step written procedures to conduct experiments as well as communicate this information to the supervisor and other lab members.

5. Safety

· Must maintain a clean and orderly workplace.

· Must have the ability and willingness to observe and comply with all institutional rules and OSHA regulations regarding biohazard and radiation safety.

· Must have a working knowledge in the proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as phenol, ethidium bromide, acrylamide, and formamide.

6. General requirements

· Working knowledge of various laboratory equipment and apparatus

· Basic techniques for handling chemicals and accurately prepare media, solutions, and reagents.

· An understanding of the basic scientific terminology and concepts central to cancer research

· Ability to perform searches and retrieval of information both through the library and online.

· Willingness to learn new techniques, to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows, visitors, and collaborators, and to assist in other laboratory activities as needed.

Other duties as assigned

Education Required - Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.

Education Preferred - Master's degree with major course work in one of the basic sciences or medical degree.

Experience Required - One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.

Onsite Presence - REQUIRED

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 167978

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 43,500

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 54,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 65,500

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Onsite

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: No

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes

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